How to speed up Xiaomi Redmi 4X: from cleaning the cache to fine-tuning MIUI

Xiaomi Redmi 4X — One of the most popular budget smartphones of 2017, but as the years go by, even it starts to slow down. If your device is slow to open apps, spend long seconds thinking when switching between tasks or suddenly overheating, that's not a sentence. In 90% of cases, the problem can be solved by software methods without using iron replacement.

The main reasons for the Redmi slowdown 4X squirrel MIUI, With the background overloaded and limited resources: 2-3 GB of RAM and the Snapdragon 435 processor can no longer cope with modern requirements. However, the right optimization can return the smartphone to its former speed — sometimes without even resetting to factory settings.

In this article, we will discuss 8 proven ways to speed up Redmi. 4X In 2026, from basic (cache cleaning) to advanced (kernel settings and system services shutdown) methods tested on current versions. MIUI and do not require root rights unless otherwise stated.

1.Diagnosis: Why the Redmi is slowing down 4X?

Before you get into optimization, it's important to understand exactly what causes the lags.Redmi 4X It can slow down for various reasons:

• 📱 Lack of RAM — MIUI aggressively keeps apps in the background, taking up to 80% RAM.
• 🗑️ Clogged – temporary application files and systems can take up gigabytes of memory.
• 🔄 Background Activity – Autoboot of unnecessary applications and system processes.
• 🔋 Battery wear – when degradation is below 70%, the smartphone forcibly limits performance.
• 🛠️ Older versions of the old version MIUI Not optimized for modern applications.

To identify a bottleneck, check:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI — is the firmware?
2. Open the Settings. → Memory – how much free space is on the internal drive?
3. Install the app CPU Monitor (from Google Play) – is the processor frequency limited?

⚠️ Attention: If the smartphone began to brake sharply after falling or getting moisture, the problem may be hardware (detachment of the plume, oxidation of contacts.

System Cleanup: Cache, Garbage and Unnecessary Files

The first step to speed up is to free up memory. - Redmi 4X s 16/32 GB drive quickly clogs up with garbage, especially if you actively use instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) or social networks:

Clearing the application cache

Cache speeds up the re-run of programs, but over time it grows to gigabytes.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (such as Facebook or YouTube).
3. Click Clear Cache (not to be confused with Clear Data – it will delete accounts!).

For mass cleaning:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Cleanup.
2. Select App Cache and Garbage Files.
3. Press Clean (can be freed up to 1-3 GB).

2.2. Deletion of unnecessary files

MIUI Creates duplicate photos (e.g. editing), downloads updates in the background, and stores log files to find and delete them:

• 📁 Use the built-in File Manager: Go to Categories → Large files and downloads.
• 🔍 Install Files by Google – it will find duplicates and temporary files.
• 🗑️ Clear the folder. DCIM/.thumbnails — Photo miniatures are stored here (you can delete without consequences).

⚠️ Note: Do not manually delete files from folders /system or /data It can cause a system failure. For deep cleaning, use only official tools. MIUI.

3. Optimization of RAM (RAM)

Redmi 4X It was built with 2 or 3 GB of RAM, which is barely enough to run 3-4 applications at once. RAM:

3.1. Disable the autoloading of applications

Many programs (especially Chinese ones) are launched when you turn on your smartphone and hang in the background.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (such as Mi Video or Clean Master).
3. Press Autoboot and turn off the slider.

For mass blackout:

• 🛑 Use Greenify (requires root or ADB).
• 🔧 Turn on Developer Mode (7 times click on Version) MIUI In About Phone, then in Settings → Additionally. → For developers, limit background processes (Limit background processes) → Max. 2 process).

3.2 Use of lightweight versions of applications

Replace the “heavy” applications with their Lite versions:

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After cleaning, RAM Lags are left, try restarting your smartphone to Safe Mode (hold the power button). → Safe Mode: If the device is fast, the problem is in one of the installed applications.

4.Set up MIUI for maximum performance

MIUI It offers hidden optimization features that aren't enabled by default. Here's how to activate them:

4.1. Disable animations

The animations of the transitions between the screens eat up resources.

1. Activate Developer Mode (as described above).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Find the items: The scale of window animation → Animation disabled Transition animation scale → Animation disabled Duration of animation → Shut down.

Optimization of the processor

By default. MIUI It limits performance to save charge:

1. In Developer Mode, find Background Process Limitation and set a Standard Limit.
2. Turn off optimization. MIUI (This mode artificially slows down the smartphone for “smoothness»).
3. Turn it on. GPU-Acceleration (if available for your firmware).

Resetting the graphic settings

If the games or interface slow down, reset the graphics settings:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Special features → Graphics settings.
2. Choose Reset settings.
3. Reboot your smartphone.

5. Update of firmware and core

Outdated firmware is one of the main reasons for the brakes. Xiaomi regularly releases updates for Redmi 4X, It's bug fixing and performance optimization:

Official updates MIUI

To update the firmware:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If a new version is available, download it and install it.

The latest stable version MIUI for Redmi 4X — MIUI 12.5 (Android 7.1.2) Newer firmware (e.g, MIUI (13) not officially maintained and may impair productivity.

5.2. Custom firmware (for advanced)

If the official updates do not help, you can install custom firmware based on Android 10/11 (Like LineageOS or Pixel Experience:

• 🚀 A newer version of Android with better optimization.
• 🗑️ The absence of pre-installed garbage from Xiaomi.
• 🔧 Flexible performance settings.

However, there are risks:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).
• ⚠️ Possible bugs (not working) NFC, camera trouble).
• ⚠️ The need to unlock the bootloader and obtain root rights.

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Installing custom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.This process takes up to 72 hours and erases all data on the device!

Optimization of the kernel

You can use applications like Kernel Adiutor to fine-tune the processor. 4X:

• 🔧 Install Governor on Performance (for maximum speed) or Ondemand (speed and power balance).
• 🔧 Limit the maximum frequency. GPU up to 500 MHz (reduces heating).
• 🔧 Turn it on. ZRAM (virtual memory RAM) to compensate for the lack of sensing.

6. Battery and cooling optimization

Overheating and a worn-out battery are common causes of artificially limiting performance.Redmi 4X automatically reduces the frequency of the processor if:

• 🔋 Battery capacity has dropped below 70% of the original.
• 🌡️ The temperature of the processor exceeds 60°C.
• 🔌 The smartphone has been working for a long time from charging.

Checking the status of the battery

To find out the wear of the battery:

1. Install the AccuBattery app.
2. Charge your smartphone to 100% and discharge to 0% (calibration).
3. See the battery health option in the Charging section.

If wear exceeds 30%, consider replacing the battery.The cost of a new battery for the Redmi 4X — about 1000-1500 rubles.

6.2. Temperature control

To avoid overheating:

• 🧊 Do not use your smartphone in the sun or in a stuffy room.
• 🎮 For long games, reduce the graphics in the game settings.
• 🔌 Do not play while charging - it speeds up the heating.
• 🧹 Regularly clean the charging connector from dust (can be compressed air).

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If the smartphone is very warm for no apparent reason, check the background processes in Settings → Battery → Battery use: Often to blame cryptocurrency miners hidden in pirated apps.

Radical measures: dumping and flashing

If nothing has worked, there are two extreme methods:

Reset to factory settings

This will delete all the data, but it will return the original speed to the smartphone.

1. Save important data (photos, contacts) to your computer or the cloud.
2. Go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

7.2 Flashing through Fastboot

If the system is damaged (for example, after a failed update), a clean firmware installation via the Mi Flash Tool will help:

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi 4X (For example, from the Xiaomi website).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your computer.
3. Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode (hold Volume Down) + Power on-set).
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Flash.

⚠️ Attention: Fastboot flashing erases all data, including files in internal memory! It also requires an unlocked bootloader. If you are not sure about your actions, contact the service center.

8. Alternative acceleration methods

If you have exhausted all the software methods, consider:

8.1 Use of the memory card as internal memory

Redmi 4X Supports Adoptable Storage, a feature that allows you to combine microSD with internal memory, which will help if there is not enough space for applications:

1. Insert a speed memory card (class) A1 or A2, For example, SanDisk Ultra).
2. When you first connect, select Internal Memory (all data on the card will be deleted!).
3. Reboot your smartphone.

Cons of the method:

• ⚠️ The card will be encrypted and will not be read on other devices.
• ⚠️ The speed of applications from the card is lower than from internal memory.

Installation of lightweight firmware

There are modified versions. MIUI No extra apps and optimized settings. Popular options for Redmi 4X:

• 📱 MIUI Lite – a cropped version without Bloatware.
• 📱 MIUI EU — European firmware without Chinese services.
• 📱 MIUI Pro – custom assembly with improved performance.

They are set up through TWRP (For instructions, look for forums. 4PDA or XDA Developers.

Hardware acceleration

If the software methods do not help, the problem may be in the hardware:

• 🔋 Battery replacement – a worn-out battery leads to trottling (artificial slowing).
• 🔥 Replacing thermopaste – if the smartphone overheats, it could be causing lags.
• 🔧 Clean connectors – oxidized charging contacts or antennas can cause failures.

Cost of repair in the service center:

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 4X acceleration